as you desribed it that 1500 to me is closer to reality than some of the lower numbers. They are around, but that was 100years ago. To find a clean one that is still pretty much as issued with the belt/holster combination, it's worth the money. I never thought i would see WWII 19aaA1's priced the way they are today either.
I paid a few bills to get a set of original good condition grips for a WWI colt, and don't regret it at all.
And i have been also offered a couple bills for a set of grips for a brazilian too. prices are not what they were once.